First Page:

VOLUME I.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE GYPSIES Drawn by Clark Stanton, Etched by C. de
Billy

ELLANGOWAN CASTLE Drawn by John MacWhirter, Etched by Alex. Ansted

CARLAVEROCK CASTLE Photo Etching by John Andrew and Son

"PRODIGIOUS!" Original Etching by George Cruikshank

THE CURE OF MEG MERRILIES Drawn and Etched by C. O. Murray

DOMINIE SAMPSON IN THE LIBRARY Drawn and Etched by C. O. Murray

DANDIE DINMONT AT HOME Drawn by Steel Gourlay, Etched by H. Macbeth
Raeburn

VOLUME II.
THE PARTY AT COLONEL MANNERING'S Drawn by Herdman, Etched by H. Manesse

THE ATTACK OF THE SMUGGLERS Drawn and Etched by H. Moyer Smith

PLEYDELL AS KING Original Etching by R. W. Macbeth

ON THE SOLWAY FRITH Original Etching by F. S. Walker

"GAPE, SINNER, AND SWALLOW!" Original Etching by George Cruikshank

MEG MERRILIES DIRECTS BERTRAM TO THE CAVE Etched by C. O. Murray

THE CAPTURE OF DIRK HATTERAICK Drawn by MacDonald, Etched by Courtry

VOLUME I

'Tis said that words and signs have power
O'er sprites in planetary hour;
But scarce I praise their venturous part
Who tamper with such dangerous art.

Lay of the Last Minstrel.

INTRODUCTION

The Novel or Romance of Waverley made its way to the public slowly, of
course, at first, but afterwards with such accumulating popularity as to
encourage the Author to a second attempt. He looked about for a name and
a subject; and the manner in which the novels were composed cannot be
better illustrated than by reciting the simple narrative on which Guy
Mannering was originally founded; but to which, in the progress of the
work, the production ceased to bear any, even the most distant
resemblance. The tale was originally told me by an old servant of my
father's, an excellent old Highlander, without a fault, unless a
preference to mountain dew over less potent liquors be accounted one.
He believed as firmly in the story as in any part of his creed.

A grave and elderly person, according to old John MacKinlay's account,
while travelling in the wilder parts of Galloway, was benighted. With
difficulty he found his way to a country seat, where, with the
hospitality of the time and country, he was readily admitted. The owner
of the house, a gentleman of good fortune, was much struck by the
reverend appearance of his guest, and apologised to him for a certain
degree of confusion which must unavoidably attend his reception, and
could not escape his eye. The lady of the house was, he said, confined to
her apartment, and on the point of making her husband a father for the
first time, though they had been ten years married. At such an emergency,
the laird said, he feared his guest might meet with some apparent
neglect.

'Not so, sir,' said the stranger; 'my wants are few, and easily supplied,
and I trust the present circumstances may even afford an opportunity of
showing my gratitude for your hospitality. Let me only request that I may
be informed of the exact minute of the birth; and I hope to be able to
put you in possession of some particulars which may influence in an
important manner the future prospects of the child now about to come into
this busy and changeful world. I will not conceal from you that I am
skilful in understanding and interpreting the movements of those
planetary bodies which exert their influences on the destiny of mortals.
It is a science which I do not practise, like others who call themselves
astrologers, for hire or reward; for I have a competent estate, and only
use the knowledge I possess for the benefit of those in whom I feel an
interest.' The laird bowed in respect and gratitude, and the stranger was
accommodated with an apartment which commanded an ample view of the
astral regions.

The guest spent a part of the night in ascertaining the position of the
heavenly bodies, and calculating their probable influence; until at
length the result of his observations induced him to send for the father
and conjure him in the most solemn manner to cause the assistants to
retard the birth if practicable, were it but for five minutes... Continue reading book >>